Andrew Lack, a veteran media executive and former NBC news division president, is on the verge of returning to NBC News soon.
According to LA Times, he will be replacing News Group Chairman Pat Fili, who will be assigned to another position within the company. NBC News has been receiving advice from Lack about handling the issue regarding the scandal that lead to the suspension of Brian Williams. Williams was said to have been hired during Lack's time with NBC, and was introduced as the successor of Tom Brokaw of NBC Nightly News.
The 66-year-old Lack is known to support Wiliams ever since he transferred to NBC. While this move may seem to put a positive note on Williams predicament, a source said that Lack's pending position with NBC should not be taken as a sign that Williams is coming back. The decision will have to be from NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke.
In a different view of other TV executives in the network, they believe that the embattled news anchor who is on a temporary 6 month suspension will find a clearer path for a comeback, once Lack is back. David Westin, one of ABC's top executives said, "He did a terrific job at NBC the first time around, and I'm sure he'll do it again. There are strong reasons why it made sense for Steve Burke to leave the door open for Brian's return. But Andy will make the right decisions for NBC."
Lack was the successor of Michael Gartner as NBC News president in 1993, Variety reported. This was after Gartner drew flack when the NBC news had a major fallback due to fake news about the investigation on General Motors fire trucks. Gartner was forced to resign after the incident. Since leaving the NBC in 2003, Lack has had a position with Bloomberg Media Group and Sony Music Entertainment.